Page:The Vespers of Palermo.pdf/8



Away, away! Leave us, for there is danger in thy presence.

Why, what is danger?—Are there deeper ills Than those ye bear thus calmly? Ye have drain'd The cup of bitterness, till nought remains To fear or shrink from—therefore, be ye strong! Power dwelleth with despair.—Why start ye thus At words which are but echoes of the thoughts Lock'd in your secret souls?—Full well I know, There is not one amongst you, but hath nursed Some proud indignant feeling, which doth make One conflict of his life. I know thy wrongs, And thine—and thine,—but if within your breasts, There is no chord that vibrates to my voice, Then fare ye well.

(coming forward.) No, no! say on, say on! There are still free and fiery hearts e'en here, That kindle at thy words.

If that indeed Thou hast a hope to give us.

There is hope For all who suffer with indignant thoughts Which work in silent strength. What! think ye Heaven O'erlooks th' oppressor, if he bear awhile His crested head on high?—I tell you, no! Th' avenger will not sleep. It was an hour Of triumph to the conqueror, when our king, Our young brave Conradin, in life's fair morn, On the red scaffold died. Yet not the less